6. High above Val del Sarca (Monte Colodri - Monte Colt)
-
/ Monte ColodriPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino (Ph. Promovideo), Garda Trentino -
/ Monte ColodriPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino - Daniele Lira, Garda Trentino
-
/ The "roman bridge" in CenigaPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino - Foto Promovideo, Garda Trentino
-
/ The hermitage San PaoloPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino - Foto Patrizia N. Matteotti, Garda Trentino
A hike along the Colodri and Colt ridges, natural balconies overlooking the Sarca Valley. Please note this trail is only for sure-footed experienced hikers!
The hike starts in the centre of Arco and covers the rocky area which culminates at the top of the cliff where Arco Castle is located. The trail runs along the summit, above the sheer wall of the Monte Colodri ferrata, one of the most popular ferratas in Garda Trentino (an easy via ferrata which is even suited to beginners).
The Colodri and Colt peaks are marked by large crosses. The cross on Monte Colt was erected by the Ceniga Community in the Holy Year 1933/34, and offers a marvellous view over Ceniga, Dro, Paganella Peak and Stivo. At the top of Colodri, you can leave a message in the visitor's book at the cross.
Author’s recommendation
Towards Ceniga, you come to the Roman bridge and the beach underneath where in summer you can always stop for a refreshing dip in the river
Rest Stop
Ponte romano - CenigaSafety information
For experienced hikers, be careful on the exposed or steep stretches where the going is rough with loose rock underfoot
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Equipment
This trail has no bolted sections or via ferrata so there is no need for a helmet or ferrata kit.
You need to be wearing the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
What you should have in your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do):
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
Emergency telephone number: 112
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally...
... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Tips, hints and links
- After the Roman bridge of Ceniga, on the way back to Arco, just beneath the rocky walls of Monte Colt, you can see the Hermitage Eremo di San Paolo. It was built in 1186 and has frescos on the interior and exterior walls. It is usually open to visitors during the summer.
- For more information on routes and hike services: guides, shops and hiking friendly accommodation: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Head uphill from the centre of Arco towards the Parco Arciducale in the direction of Laghel. Follow the old Stations of the Cross which takes you up a valley planted with olive groves. Shortly before the chapel of Santa Maria di Laghel, turn right onto the Sentiero dei Lecci as far as the summit Cima del Monte Colodri. Retrace your steps as far as the climbing crag “Muro dell’Asino”, head 50 metres down the Sentiero dei Lecci trail until you come to a turn-off on the right running along the base of the cliff.
This takes you to the col between Monte Colodri and Monte Colt. Follow SAT 431 to the summit of Monte Colt. When you come to a little valley you leave SAT 431 and turn onto a dirt road which leads down to the left to another dirt road which brings you from Laghel to Ceniga. Follow it to the right until you come to the Sarca Valley at the Roman bridge in Ceniga.
From here you can head back to Arco along the tarmac road on the right hand side of the River Sarca, along the base of the crag Falesie di San Paolo where you can see the Hermitage of San Paolo (Return trip takes about 50 minutes)
Note
Public transport
Public transport friendly
Arco is connected with all the other towns in Garda Trentino, as well as Trento and Rovereto by a number of different bus lines. For information and bus times: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
Free parking in Caneve (5 min. walk from the town centre).
More Pay parking: Foro Boario parking, via Caproni Maini (Car park near the bridge), Post office (Via Monache). Free parking in the centre along via Capitelli and side streets
Author’s map recommendations
- Garda Trentino TREKKING Map - On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole and online
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Questions & answers
Got any questions regarding this content? You can ask them here.
Reviews
Photos from others
m
m
Dirk Görres
Carla Dei Cas
Christo Hutschel